When is it permissible to leave a main track switch open?

• A. When maintenance is completed and no movement hazard remains.
• B. Only during a shoving movement.
• C. When a derail is in place.
• D. When attended by a crew member or switch tender, when specifically authorized by Special Instructions, RTC

Answer: (D)

Leaving a main track switch in the open position is a dangerous situation that must be properly controlled. The only acceptable time to do this is when a crew member or switch tender is physically attending the switch and there is explicit authorization from the RTC through Special Instructions. The attendant can monitor the turnout, communicate movements, and be ready to secure or reclose the switch if a train approaches, while the RTC authorization ensures there’s a documented, coordinated plan for that open state.

This protects against trains taking an unintended route or encountering the switch in the wrong position, which could lead to derailments or collisions. Other scenarios don’t provide the same level of protection: simply finishing maintenance or having a derail in place doesn’t by itself justify leaving a switch open, and restricting it to a shoving movement without the required attendant and RTC authorization still leaves risks unaddressed. The combination of on-site control and formal authorization is what makes this the correct, safe condition.